Cryptic crossword clue
First parts I should have mentioned in legal statements

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PLEADINGS

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "legal statements" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case legal statements = pleadings.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does PLEADINGS mean?

PLEADINGS noun
  1. The act of making a plea.
  2. A document filed in a lawsuit, particularly a document initiating litigation or responding to the initiation of litigation.

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